I believe that the decision to pursue a graduate or post-graduate degree is a very personal one. And while there are many very successful entrepreneurs who have done extremely well without college degrees, I believe that my graduate and post-graduate studies have been essential in shaping my professional journey as well as providing an opportunity for personal discovery. For someone with passion and drive, education can serve as a springboard over any obstacle standing in the way of your goals.
It is my belief that I would not be where I am today without the years I spent furthering my education. Having chosen a career in marketing and consumer insights, the positions I have held have required a great deal of data analysis followed by quick, strategic business planning. The knowledge I gained at school has been essential in helping me to take raw data and translate it into effective marketing strategies that connect with our consumer targets.
Although it has been quite some time since I’ve stepped foot into a classroom, I do have several recent college graduates who have joined my team. The skills they have acquired in their graduate or post-graduate studies are essential in helping them to navigate the complex challenges faced by a global brand. While I cannot speak for all fields, I believe that a good education from a nationally or internationally recognized school can help differentiate candidates with little work experience. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one and regardless of what a young person decides is the right choice for them my advice is simple: The key to a happy and successful career is to become a “student of life” and never stop learning.
